|
Friday, January 25, 2008
Answered Prayers
I believe in prayer. And I've seen the results of it in my life. Don't
get me wrong . . . there have been plenty of times when I've been ready for the outcome of some prayer or another, and it
hasn't come on my timetable. That's how it works, sometimes, I have learned. But I have never stopped believing that someone
- God - was listening. Whether he decided to do what I wanted (or thought I wanted at the time) isn't the point. The point
is really this: today, one of my prayers was answered.
I am really good at what I do. I've been doing it for a long time. Last
year, though - for the first one out of nine (this being my 10th) - I fell short of my goals. I didn't deliever at my job.
Yes, the one I am really good at doing. There are various reasons why; the bulk of the blame lies on me, without question.
I won't bore you with the details!
But here's what happened today: I had lunch with a customer, long-time
business acquaintance . . . and great mentor of mine. Sure, he's been a reference of mine on resumes, but I don't know
if he realizes how significant he has been in my career. There are four people I consult to some degree whenever my career,
or even my life, needs evaluation: my father, the former boss I'd do anything for, and two of my brokers. I trust each man
absolutely, I respect his judgment, and - maybe more important than the first two things, because this last one is probably
what inspires the trust and respect I attribute to them - I know he sees who Carrie Neal really is, and that he believes in
her unequivocably.
Today, I had lunch with one of my two brokers I mentioned above. I told
him about the year I had in '07, and we talked. He listened, I described and I asked questions, and he advised me. I want
so much to succeed, and to be - to remain - on the winning team that I call mine. 2007 was a disappointment, in many ways
but particularly work-wise, to me and to those who care about me. I want to do better, to be the Real Carrie Neal, in 2008.
Today, someone who has worked with me for a decade told me - I can do that. And the beautiful thing is, I know - I really
believe, for the first time in awhile - that he's right.
I'm back, and I can't wait to bring to pass the things 2008 is meant
to entail for me. Today, a prayer of mine was answered: someone echoed back to me the confidence that I am worthy, brilliant
and going to be not just ok, but a star. I knew those things, but I needed to hear them from someone I trust. Today was a
good day. I look forward to many more in '08.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Labradoodle of Love
My friend Robert is fabulous.* You can (and should) take my word for
it, though you really have to meet him to get the full depth of his marvelousness. Every time I see him, I laugh, I learn
something (or at least have a good, heated discussion about something like verb choice in sentences, or modern-day racism),
and I leave a better person for having spent some time in his company.
Tonight was no exception. One of my dearest girlfriends stood me up for
dinner - ok, it was at my most favorite spot, so while I was worried and sorry not to see her, I figured I'd fare well enough
- and what happened? Robert and his affianced arrived, just in time to save the day. In Carrie Neal Land, there are many precious
things. But few can rival the enjoyment I get from an evening of conversation with smart, funny, wonderfully idiosynchratic
people.
I knew it would be a good night when his first statement to me was this:
"I am Stacey's Labradoodle of Love!"
I wasn't wrong. What happened after that oh-so-catchy intro? I taught
him a word or two he didn't know**, we noshed and cocktailed, and we spent quality time as the bar-reigning threesome that
we are. I am so privileged to know these two wonderful people . . .that's all I could think as I left the restaurant tonight.
I wish all of you friends like mine. If you want to meet Robert, he's
likely at Houston's on any given night, just like me, and he does a fair job of being the "regular favorite" when I'm not
around. Come see us sometime!
*Not in the "gay" sense. His gorgeous, even-more-fabulous fiancee
would confirm this.
**"Affianced" is one of the words I taught him tonight. Don't know
it? Google it!
|
